Average Rating3.67 / 5 (3 reviews)

There is a lot of detail in this book. I cannot strongly recommend it though because there isn’t that much that is unique. It isn’t bad. It just isn’t great. In part, the author suffers from being knowledgeable of the past but not the present gear, clothing, or technology. The author researched enough to find out about what is now available, but it often appears as though he has only read about it on the Internet or in product literature. A quick example is the utility of a GPS. He mentions his own heavy weight relic and also the lightweight Garmin Geko. He considers a GPS an interesting gadget but he doesn’t know how to really take advantage of a GPS combined with topographic mapping software for pre-trip planning. The old relic of a GPS that the author has, gets the most coverage in the text and he simply mentions he might use a GPS more, if he had a Geko.

As backpacking is about getting out in to the wilderness and not gear the book is superb. Some hike light and some heavy. Chris caters for each. It helps the beginner steering them to make good informed choices in equipment selection and using it. Great to buy a tent, but better to know how to pitch and care for it. This book is all the beginner or experienced hiker needs